Recent research has shown that males and non-White participants are significantly more likely to set their personal audio devices at a higher volume, suggesting they may be at greater risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss, according to researchers who will be presenting their findings during the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Annual Convention in San Diego this week.

According to ASHA member Pamela Smith and her co-presenters, from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, their research also suggests that the college population would benefit from educational awareness programs about safer listening practices and the potential dangers of long-term use of personal audio devices.

"Our research suggests that education does increase awareness of the dangers of noise-induced hearing loss from misuse of personal audio devices," Smith says. "ASHA's Listen To Your Buds Campaign is a good way to educate young children on how to use these devices safely so when they are college aged they are already practicing safe listening habits."

The results also show that male students might benefit most from hearing education and that there may also be cultural differences in recognizing the potential damage from misuse.

The researchers will discuss their findings at 1:30 p.m. on November 17, in Sails Pavilion at the San Diego Convention Center (iJam, iListen, iHear: iPod Use and Hearing Among College Students, Session 8001, Poster Board 002).

Their presentation is part of ASHA's Annual Convention, which begins November 17 at the San Diego Convention Center. The Convention will feature 3 days of workshops, paper sessions, poster presentations, and the Keynote Session by Jill Bolte Taylor, author of the best-selling book, My Stroke of Insight. The Convention runs through Saturday, November 19.

About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 145,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders.

Source:  www.asha.org/About/news/Press-Releases/2011/College-Students-Could-Be-Permanently-Damaging-Their-Hearing.htm